So here we are, January 1, 2014!  I hope everyone had a Safe and Merry Christmas as we look ahead to all the that new year has to offer to us.  Darrel's Playground was quite active in 2013, participating in several events raising awareness about childhood cancer and neuroblastoma. These included:

January 26 - Cuts for Cancer in Guelph, in support of St. Baldrick's and Childhood Cancer Canada

May 26: Mitchell Fraser Memorial Slo Pitch Tournament, in support of the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto

June 10-16:  Canadian Administrator for International Neuroblastoma Awareness Week.

June 14/15: Relay for Life in Fergus, in support of the Canadian Cancer Society

In June, Sharing Hope", a book from our friends at Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer (OPACC), was published.  To have Darrel and our family included in this was something to certainly take note of at this time.  Another of the personal Highlights for me was our participation in the renovation of Stait Park in Fergus, making it the first fully accessible playground to be opened in the Centre Wellington area.  While there are many places that will always hold a special connection to Darrel with me, I had also wanted to have a physical location in the community where Darrel could be remembered.  The opportunities presented by Park were just what I hoped to achieve: Having a more public spot to honour Darrel's memory; and helping to bring smiles and laughter to other local children.  The Park opened for Play at the end of July, with the official ceremonies taking place on September 15, 2013. 


Thank You once again to everyone who contributed to any and/or all the fundraisers in 2013.

In December, the ongoing growth of this website allowed it to surpass the 16,000 Hits Mark. Recently, in addition to our pages on Facebook and Twitter, we have also launched a Tumblr account as well.  While much of the content is similar on each of these, the different platforms do allow the message of childhood cancer awareness to spread to more people who we may not have reached otherwise.  Your Online support, much like with the fundraising, is greatly appreciated.

The past year was filled with other highs and lows, some of which were resolved, while others will carry over into the days and months ahead.  With the continuing support of family and friends, along with the kindness of strangers, I'm sure these obstacles will be overcome in the near future. 

All the Best to everyone in 2014!!!

This morning, the official Grand Opening of the renovated Stait Park in Fergus, as the Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora Accessible Playground was held.  I would like to say Thank You once again to everyone who supported myself and Darrel's Playground to have Darrel's name on the Park's signage as a Bronze Sponsor. Without the assistance of family, friends, and others around the Centre Wellington community, this dream would not have become a reality.

Previous Links on the Park:

http://www.darrelsplayground.com/1/post/2013/04/april-2313-dream-into-reality.html

http://www.darrelsplayground.com/1/post/2013/07/evolution-of-a-park.html

http://www.darrelsplayground.com/1/post/2012/10/darrel-and-the-stait-park-renovation.html

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Articles on the Grand Opening:  http://www.southwesternontario.ca/community/stait-parks-new-playground-opens/

http://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/comments/index.cfm?articleID=18432

Over the past week, I have been re-reading my Blogs from 6 years ago, and I have reposted some of them on Darrel's Facebook Page.  While they bring back a flood of memories from the
most painful part of my life, in a strange way, I am grateful that I managed to put my thoughts together enough to have these to look back at today.  Time has a way of changing our perception of both recent and/or more distant events.  Though it is impossible for me to ever forget what happened over those last few weeks, days and hours with Darrel, it is somehow helpful to know exactly what I was thinking when they were actually occurring to myself and our family.  Judging from some of the comments they have received, they also continue to have an impact on those who read them today.  For that, I am also thankful.
 
I am often asked why, even now...six years after Darrel was taken from our family, I continue with raising awareness about childhood cancer?  How will any of my actions encourage the decisions makers to pay more attention to the fact that childhood cancers are both overlooked and underfunded here in Canada, and elsewhere around the world?  Wouldn't be easier on me to distance myself from all the pain and suffering that goes along with watching other families fighting for the lives of their children, much like we did with Darrel?  What goals to I hope to achieve, and how am I going to make it happen???  Sometimes, in the back of my mind, I wonder if these people aren't more interested in me stopping these efforts so they don't
have to constantly see my Posts on Facebook or be asked to donate any of the fundraisers that I take part in.  In truth, I don't have a definitive answer to these questions,  but who really does know what tomorrow will bring for them and/or their loved ones. We all just do what we can, when we can, and hope for the best outcome.
 
Making a difference is never easy, but anything worth doing usually never is.  I am reminded of
the story of the young boy and the starfish.  I've seen many variations of the story posted on the Internet, and have no idea who the original author was (though credit often is given to Loren Eiseley, among other people).  Below is one version that I have taken from another site:
 
One day, an old man was walking down the beach just before dawn.  In the distance he saw a young man picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back into the sea.  As the old man approached the young man, he asked, "Why do you spend so much energy doing what seems to be a waste of time?"  The young man explained that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun.  The old man exclaimed, "But there must be thousands of starfish.  How can your efforts make any difference?"  The young man looked down at the starfish in his hand, and as he threw it to safety in the sea, he said," It made a difference to that one!"  After thinking about what the young man had told him, the older man spent the rest of the morning throwing starfish back into the sea too.
 
 
Spending time online communicating with the parents of children battling against  neuroblastoma may be upsetting now and again, but it does come with its own rewards for me on a personal level.  That is not for others to judge, yet they still do.  It doesn't matter to me if I ever know the person who gets involved because of something I post, or get a "Thank You" from a family who is helped by one of the donations that I make.  That isn't why I do what I do.  My family was once on the receiving end of the generosity and kindness of strangers, and know all too well how much it is appreciated.  Unfortunately, the road towards a cure is blocked by many obstacles, one of which is a lack of adequate funding for research.  While the ongoing research was not at a point that it could save Darrel, and the countless other children lost over the last six years, or those taken in the years before that, each step taken forward raises the hopes and chances for the children facing any of the forms of childhood cancer in the future.  Knowing that some how, in some way, I will have contributed to this better tomorrow, is more than enough to keep me fighting the fight.
 
In a world where wars have been going on for so long that the many of the combatants don't even know how or even why the conflict began, life and death decisions are still being made by political leaders, both near and far from the battle lines.  Why is it that these same political leaders seem determined to sit idly by as children in their own countries not left with little or no support in the fight against childhood cancer?  Why is it that many in the general public are prepared to mobilize to protest on either side of the pending war debate, but have no willingness to even sit through a commercial from a children's hospital, as it makes them too uncomfortable?  While the prospect of peace in the Middle East is a noble goal, our children deserve better TODAY....MY CHILD DESERVED BETTER.
 
There is no longer any thing I can do to help my son in any way.  That responsibility and honour ended six years ago today.  The memories I have and share through these blogs, and the efforts I make to raise awareness, help to keep Darrel with me in the here and now.  It does not need to make sense to anyone other than me, so if you disagree, please refrain trying to impose your logic onto me.  If you are truly my friend, you would support me for who I am today, not who you want me to be tomorrow.
 
Thank You
 
Love and Miss You Little Man

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Looking at the Hit Counter, this website will have reached the 13,000 mark today.  Thank You to everyone who continues to keep the memory of Darrel alive with me.
  
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Next weekend, the Grand Opening of the newly renovated The Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora Accessible Playground will be held.  I would like to say Thank You once again to everyone who has given their support to this project.  The Park has been open to the public since late July, and has always full of children enjoying all there is to offer throughout the Summer.  While I am pleased to read that the Centre Wellington Council has recently approved a bid for the Millburn Park Splash Pad here in Fergus, it is somewhat disheartening that the Township is
funding this project, but did not financially assist the former Stait Park renovation.  The fundraising for the park, fronted by Power of Play, was a true community effort, of which Darrel's Playground is proud to have played a part in.  It is unfortunate that the Township could somehow budget $245,000 for the Splash Pad, but nothing for the Park.  That being said, if the Township had assisted in the funding for Park, our participation may not have been required, and Darrel's name would not be on the Park's sign as a Bronze Sponsor.  Hopefully the weather co-operates for us next Sunday, as several activities and special events have been planned for the official Grand Opening.
 
http://www.evite.com/event/0209CIYT2I2JAACHKEPC5WJAE7P2QA/?gid=fb

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Lunchtime on Sept 9th/13

A McNugget Feast in Darrel's Honour and Memory. I would like to think I would have converted him to Harvey's by now, but that's yet another one of the "What Ifs" that I'll never have an answer too.

I posted this letter on Facebook yesterday and got quite a mixed reaction. Since many of you aren't Facebook Friends and/or live out of the area, I've reposted it here as well.  This Disgusting and Hateful letter was delivered to a family with an autistic child in Newcastle, Ontario.

While there may be another side to the story, the letter writer suggests that the community would be better off ...if the child was euthanized...No Excuse for that. Any parent dealing with autistic and/or special needs children would be strained and drained, and probably doing the very best she could. With all the government cut-backs, there are most likely less resources to help her out.

When we were out with Darrel closer to the end, I heard grumbling from people about the extra time it took THEM to get somewhere because of his wheelchair, or comment on the junk food he was eating (we were just thankful he was eating anything). I guess they thought "Out of Sight, Out of Mind". They had no idea what we were dealing with day in and day out. The physical and mental toll the disease (not to mention the drugs) took on his body and the sanity of our entire family should not have been taken lightly by an Outsider. Darrel did get away with some behaviour the girls wouldn't because of the situation, not because of questionable parenting. We did what we could, how ever we could...when we could. I never considered Darrel to be a "Special Needs" Child, but a child...MY CHILD, who needed help. 

Considerate and Caring people should not and would not turn their backs on a child in need.  This Letter Writer needs to look themselves in the mirror before they judge others.  To suggest this mother keep the child locked up or kill her child so some other lady can enjoy a quiet morning coffee on her front porch is intolerable...regardless of the other circumstances!

Link to Report by CityTV: http://www.citynews.ca/2013/08/18/family-in-shock-after-hate-letter-targets-teen-with-autism/

Link to Article on Yahoo:  http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/dailybrew/ontario-police-aware-hateful-letter-telling-family-euthanize-171036930.html

I've been meaning to publish something on this subject for over a month now, but just never
have got around to it.  Lauren took Art in the second semester last year, and brought home the remainder of her creations and projects at the end of classes in June.  Among them, was the below painting of a young boy.  Both my daughters have very strong artistic and creative streaks in them (though they are expressed in different ways), but I certainly wasn't expecting
something like this.  I was almost floored when I first saw the piece!  Had Lauren managed to put all her emotions aside and paint a portrait of Darrel??
 
While most of the photos I've posted on Darrel's website or other forms of Social Media are of him smiling, or at least when he was having a reasonably good day, there are countless others that still rip my heart up to even look at them.  This painting, with its shadows, dark lines, and piercing sorrowful eyes immediately brought back of memories of Darrel during that final
month, when he began the rapid downward spiral.  I could not believe that Lauren, who was only 8 when her brother passed away, was able to create such a work, especially in a public setting like her classroom at school.  As astonishing as this would have been, even more bewildering is the fact that she didn't paint the portrait...or have any idea who did!
 
It seems that the painting had been unclaimed for quite some time, and was just taking up space in the Art Room.  Lauren's teacher had suggested that she could paint over the existing piece, and reuse the canvas for a creation of her own at some point in the future. And here we are, almost 6 weeks later, and the painting is still sitting at the foot of the stairs (granted, Lauren was gone on a trip out West for much of that time, but the fact that no one has
moved it elsewhere in that time does say something).  My wife is usually right on top of things that are out of place around the house, but not with this particular item.  I'm not sure if anyone other than me notices anything different about this painting, and/or any similarities to Darrel, but it hasn't been mentioned out loud if they do.
 
I'm not suggesting or implying that there is something "more" to this painting other than it being a piece of art that has struck a personal chord with me, but since things like this don't happen very often, I thought I should make note of it.  Now that I've pointed this out, it wouldn't surprise me if the painting finds a new location in the house, or that Lauren finally decides what she wants to use the canvas for.  Since they don't regularly read my blogs, I'll have to wait and see what happens.

The Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora Accessible Playground (the new name for Stait Park) opened for PLAY on July 22nd, with the Grand Opening now slated for Sept 15th!

http://www.evite.com/event/0209CIYT2I2JAACHKEPC5WJAE7P2QA/?gid=fb

Very Proud to have been part of this Amazing Project. Thanks again to everyone who donated and supported Darrel's inclusion in this renovation.

Last week was a rather busy one for myself and Darrel's Playground.  The 3rd Annual International Neuroblastoma Awareness Week (INAW) ran from June 10-16th, and Darrel's
Playground was proud to serve once again as the Canadian Administrator for the second time. The INAW brings together several organizations from around the world, to combine their time and resources to promote more awareness and understanding about neuroblastoma, and the toll it takes on the families it touches.  Over the course of the week, along with facts and medical statistics, many stories were shared on our Facebook Page and on Twitter.  Behind all the numbers and often too politically correct rhetoric, real people retelling what they have experienced is what created the greatest impact, and what the week is really about.  There were tales of countless long, brave and heroic battles against this disease.  While some ended in personal triumphs, far too often they concluded with the tragic loss of a loved one. 
 
Our hope is that when someone tries to tell you in the future that neuroblastoma and childhood cancer are rare, and that the medical community has matters under control, you reflect back
on some of the faces and the names of the children, and the stories and statistics you had seen and heard over the INAW.  Progress IS being made, but we are far from declaring victory...and equally far from declaring defeat!  Our fight against neuroblastoma did not end at the conclusion of the Awareness Week, and we hope that yours does not either.  Putting the spotlight on neuroblastoma for one week a year will not alone bring about massive changes in
government policy towards funding and/or public perception, but it is an important step on the journey of finding a sustainable cure. We all appreciated everyone who joined with us, and will help continue the fight against neuroblastoma. Our Children Deserve Better...Our Children Deserve A Cure!
 
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On June 14-15th, Team Darrel participated in the local Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life for the sixth time.  This year marked the 10th Anniversary for the event being held in Fergus, so there was a constant stream of ceremonies and activities taking place over the entire night (and into the very early morning as well).  The lighting of the Luminaries is always one the most emotional and significant parts for me.  Seeing the track almost come alive in the beautiful glow that the luminaries provide is a moment that never ceases to get me.  While some teams like to collect all the luminaries of their loved ones, and move them closer to their individual campsites, I prefer to leave ones purchased for Darrel scattered around the track course.  The organizers try to space them out relatively evenly, and moving them around will often leave gapping holes as the night progresses.  Besides, I'd rather see Darrel's name flickering here, there, and everywhere, rather than in just one central location.  It's a personal decision, and one that I am happy with.
 
Through the generous donations of family, friends, and supporters from far and wide, Team Darrel raised $1,735.00 for the Canadian Cancer Society this year.  This brings our six year total to an impressive $14,939.00!!!  Additional money was also brought in for The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research, and for Streaks for Cancer.  The official total for the Fergus Relay as a whole isn't available yet, but it is estimated to be around the $65,000 mark!!  Big thanks goes out to all our sponsors, Jen and everyone on the Fergus Relay for Life Committee, and all the family and friends who stopped by with words of encouragement and/or treats to keep us on the move.
 
Team Darrel 2013:  Stephen Robb, Kira Robb, Lauren Robb, John Robb, Helen Robb,
Bryan Robb, Janet Willfang, Sharon Snider, and Tala Jenkins
 
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Earlier this month, "Sharing Hope", a book from our friends at Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer (OPACC) and the Smiling Eyes Project was published.  It features
photographs and brief stories of some of the many families, including ours, touched by childhood cancer in Ontario.  We were fortunate enough to be one of the first families to take part in the Smiling Eyes Project back in 2007, and several of the pictures found on this website came from that Photo Shoot.  Both the weather and all three of our children co-operated perfectly on that day, allowing to have the last family pictures of the five of us together.  They will always be treasured.
 
For those that are interested, copies of "Sharing Hope" can be purchased for $20.00 from the OPACC website at:
 
http://www.opacc.org/index.php?p=Sharing_hope
 
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I was on Holidays last week, so there were many things that needed to be done around the house.  One of these tasks was cleaning out our outside shed.  It was long overdue, and I
had to make several trips (back hatch of the Jeep does not hold that much) to the Dump to get rid of the unwanted items that had collected in there.  When time came to re-organize the remaining things going back into the shed, it was decided to get rid of Darrel's green bike.  After I put it to the curb, it wasn't there for more than 5 minutes before the family that lives behind us came walking by, and took the bike for their young son.  The bike had been a gift from us for Darrel's 7th, and as fate would have it, last birthday in May 2007.  He only got to use it once or twice, and for a very short distance before his body could not take that kind of physical activity any longer. 
 
I did not really have much of a problem getting rid of this particular thing of Darrel's, as there were so few memories of him attached with the bike.  I am glad that it will be finally used again, but may feel different in the future, seeing someone else flying by our house on (what was) Darrel's bike.  On the other hand, his orange and black bike still sits in the back of the shed, with his helmet hanging on the handle bars...waiting to go out for another spin, but this will never happen.  Darrel loved riding this bike around, and was quite the Speed "Dermon"  (my father accidentally said 'dermon' instead of 'demon' once, and it the phrase stuck...even until today).  Whether it be just around the house, following the trail out to Belwood Lake, or
zipping around the Pinery Provincial Park at Grand Bend, he would zoom by you as fast as his legs would pump...and sometimes he would be traveling even faster than that!
 
We still do hold on to many Darrel's things, some out in the open, while much has been put away for safe keeping.  It would be impossible for any of us to not see reflections of Darrel throughout the only home he ever had, but we also don't want to over-power any company we have over, or ourselves for that matter, with too many reminders of those days, and the conflicting emotions that go along with them.
 
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Stait Park Update:  On June 15th, excavation and construction began on the renovation of Stait Park here in Fergus.  The transformation of the park into the first fully accessible and barrier free playground in Centre Wellington is now well underway.  Thank You once again to all who donated, supported our fundraising efforts to have Darrel's name included on the Park's new signage as a Bronze Level Sponsor.  I'll do my best to post further updates as the journey to
completion of the project continues.
 
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And finally, I am pleased to report that the Darrel's Playground website reached and surpassed the 10,000 Hit Mark on June 16th, 2013.  The fact that this milestone happened on both
Father's Day and International Neuroblastoma Awareness Day adds a bit something extra for me too.  While Darrel wasn't able to be physically here with me on what should be happy time, this was a pleasant surprise for me to wake up to all the same.  Being the last day of INAW, I also had the opportunity to share this date with the over 4,000 people that Liked our page.  People from around the world Liking my Posts may seem selfish and self-serving, but it gave me a little boost to get through what can be an emotional day for me, and other fathers who have lost their children, regardless of the cause.
 
Thanks Again for Your Support
 
Together Towards A Cure

Today Darrel would have, should have, could have been celebrating his 13th Birthday with his family and friends.  With girls, the milestone birthday seems to be considered their "Sweet Sixteen" Birthday (with my daughter Kira just reaching this back in March, I can attest to the significance attached to this), but for boys, it is usually 13.  In our society, the road to Manhood, and the journey to becoming an independent Adult begins here.  It is a time and place that he never got a chance to experience, nor for me to share and experience with him, as Father and Son.
 
I am by far not a Man's Man...not really into sports or cars, and am pretty much all thumbs when it comes to fixing things around the house.  But what would Darrel have been like today???  Being diagnosed with neuroblastoma at only 5, he had a very limited opportunity to expand his personal horizons into the outside world. Darrel did get to complete Junior Kindergarten, and play soccer for a season before cancer changed everything for him, and for us all.  After watching both the expected and unexpected twists and turns that his sisters have had over the past few years, constantly leaves me thinking about what wonders, triumphs, and hardships could have been in his future.  Each choice he would have made, no matter how small, would have had some kind of effect on his personality, and could have influenced which path he would have taken next.  Like with so many things, it is always the "What Ifs" that cloud my memories of decisions made long ago, all that transpired back then, and all that might have been.  Some nights I lay awake pondering these things...sometimes it brings a smile to my face, while other times, a tear to my eye.
 
Even after almost six years since cancer took him away from us, waves of emotion can still come out of nowhere, and over-power me from time to time.  There are several things that are well known to me that can trigger a response and/or reopen the wound that will never fully heal.  Beyond the dates on the calendar (especially like today), there are certain songs and places that I have attached memories of Darrel to...some like you would expect, others not so straight forward, yet they are there regardless.  But every so often, there comes a random occurrence that causes an immediate and uncontrollable flood of flashbacks and feelings 
where I struggle not to have an emotional breakdown. 

One of these happened earlier this month while I was attending the a baton competition with Lauren.  All was going perfectly fine until a teammate of hers opened up a Ring Pop.  This was not the first time I'd seen one of Darrel's favourite treats since he died, but for whatever the reason, this time something within me broke...my heart.  As I could not have been in a more Public place, I had to immediately get up and leave the stands, and make a rather hasty move towards the Exit.  I assume those that noticed my departure probably thought I was rushing to use the washroom, but this was far from the truth.  I sat outside for 10-15 minutes crying before I could compose myself enough to return to the Gym (just in time to watch Lauren when the Provincial Championship in one of her divisions).  Fortunately there were no passerbys during this outburst, as they would not have understood, or cared to understand what had just happened {as a Side Note: there was a single Orb in one of the pictures I took of Lauren from the competition.  Considering how high the ceiling was, and the fact there were no light sources in the area, there is no other simple explanation why it could be there}.  While I do not like others to see me in such a state, in a strange way, part of me is pleased that I can still be overcome in such a fashion...that I have not grown cold or bitter...I am still a father missing his son...I am still Human.
 
 
Happy Birthday Darrel
 
Love and Miss You Little Man
  
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Yesterday I participated in the Mitchell Fraser Memorial Slo Pitch Tournament in Solina.  Playing on the SickKids Team (HSC) is always a rewarding experience.  Though pain, suffering, and quite often the loss of a loved one may bring us together, it is good to get out and have a Good Time, while raising money for neuroblastoma research, all at the same time.  Though
Team SickKids lost (badly) all three of our games, I somehow managed to avoid Striking Out, and surprisingly went 5 for 9 for the day. I'd like to thank the Fraser family and all who helped make this event run smoothly and successfully for another year.
 
http://www.durhamregion.com/sports/article/1622025--mitchell-fraser-memorial-ball-tournament-saturday-in-solina#.UZ-plAoviKs.facebook

 
Special Thanks goes to my long time friend, Tania Fitzpatrick, from "Images of This and That" for donating one of her portraits for the Silent Auction held at the tournament.  This was greatly appreciated by me, and the Fraser family.  To see more of her work, please visit:
 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/imagesofthisandthat

Thanks also to Mike Napier, who has loaned me his "Kelly Gruber Signature" glove for the past 3 tournaments.  I will no loner be working with him after this week, so I'll need to borrow someone else for next year. It always "Fit like a Glove".
 
  
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Up Next for Darrel's Playground:
 
June 10-16, 2013: I have been asked once again to act as one the Administrators for the International Neuroblastoma Awareness Week.  For more information, please visit:
 
http://www.facebook.com/NBawarenessweek 

https://twitter.com/NBAWARENESSWEEK

 
June 14-15, 2013: Team Darrel will be participating in the Canadian
Cancer Society's Relay For Life in Fergus.  This will be the 10th Relay in
Fergus, and the 6th time we will be taking part in it. Donations can be made
through our Pages on the Canadian Cancer Society's website at:
 
http://convio.cancer.ca/goto/kirladar13 

http://convio.cancer.ca/goto/teamdarrel13 
 
Thank You for your continued Support!!
Together Towards A Cure

Back in October 2012, Darrel's Playground joined the ambitious plan of the local group Power of Play, in raising money to transform Stait Park in Fergus into the first barrier-free, fully accessible park in Centre Wellington.  I am very pleased and thankful to announce that the needed goal set for both the Park, and to have Darrel's name included on the dedication sign have reached!!  While the original timeline had construction taking place in 2014, through the very successful fundraising activities of all involved, and receiving sizeable amounts from the
Fergus-Elora Rotary Club and an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant, the shovels are expected to hit the ground sometime next month (May 2013).   There are still a couple of governmental issues that need to be addressed, but they are more or less just a formality at this point.
 
I am extremely grateful to all those who have donated to the Darrel Fund to raise the $3000+ required to obtain Bronze Sponsorship status on this amazing project.  I have wanted to have some kind of permanent tribute to Darrel in our community for some time now, and thanks to your ongoing support, that Dream is about to become a Reality for me, my family, and all the children of Centre Wellington, who will enjoy this park in the years to come.  I had set the personal deadline of having the money collected by Darrel's birthday (May 26th), but the tremendous response has allowed us to surpass the $3000 ceiling even before that time! 
 
While I have done a great deal of fundraising for childhood cancer related organizations in the past, this has been the first time I have ever taken in money directly. Though setting up the needed separate bank and PayPal accounts was often tedious, they are now in place should any similar endeavours arise in the future.  This particular campaign will soon be coming to a conclusion, but please visit both the Fundraising and Events pages on Darrel's website to see what we are up to next and/or feel may be it need of your attention.
 
http://www.darrelsplayground.com/fundraising.html
 
http://www.darrelsplayground.com/events.html
 
A Huge Thank You must also go out to Power of Play, and to Andy Speers and his family.  Without their original vision and determination, none of this would have ever been possible.  They have also been supportive of assisting and encouraging me throughout this process.  Though I may not be actively involved with their plans to renovate the parks in Elora and Salem, I most certainly support and wish them well and great success.  Thanks should also go to Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj and the Township of Centre Wellington Council who have assisted all
with the legislative and legal aspects.
 
Below is a list of the Contributors that have donated thus far.  As money is being collected, the
names will be updated to reflect any of the changes as needed.
 
Over $100:
 
Stephen Robb
John and Helen Robb
Jack Benallick and Family
Dixon's Home Hardware/Ladies' Night Silent Auction
Aaron Hudson/Antonia Palmer and Family
 
Under $100:
 
Bryan and Amy Robb
Bill Felker and Family
Richard and Rhonda Hurst
 
There were also countless individual donations of small amounts, that when added together, contributed greatly to our goal.
 
Please visit the following links for more information on this project:
 
http://www.darrelsplayground.com/1/post/2012/10/darrel-and-the-stait-park-renovation.html
 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Power-of-Play-Fergus/295596937215071?fref=ts
 
http://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/index.cfm?page=detail&itmno=16394
  

Last weekend I participated in the "Cuts for Cancer" for the second time. The event was once again held at the Stone Road Mall in Guelph, in support of Childhood Cancer Canada and the St. Baldrick's Foundation. While not having much hair to begin with, this was an excellent way to honour my son Darrel and raise awareness for the often over-looked and under-funded monster that is childhood cancer.

Having taken part in Cuts 2012, I knew more of what to expect, but it still brought back memories of Darrel over the 2 long years he battled against neuroblastoma. The Courage, Wit, and Humour he brought and faced each and every day with will always be cherished and remembered. The bad days and weeks (which there were many) are never far from my thoughts either, but to dwell on them for too long and/or too often can not be helpful to what little peace of mind I have left.
 
With the support of family, friends, and co-workers, I was able to reach my $500 Goal, and the event itself currently stands at over $9,200, with contributions still coming in. It was also reassuring to see many of the shoppers passing by the event stop to ask questions and pick-up some of the reading materials that were available on site.
 
While the facts and figures are very important and relevant, they only tell part of the story that needs to be told. It is the faces and the names of the children and their families that really show why more needs and must be done against childhood cancer. The reason I do what I do to raise awareness and money for organizations like Childhood Cancer Canada is because I refuse to let Darrel to become just a statistic that is glanced at and then forgotten! When you see his picture, see his smile, you can not help but wonder what dreams he had for himself, how his presence could have enriched the lives of all the people he would never get an opportunity to meet. That is the true cost of allowing childhood cancer continue unchecked by our society.
 
There are too may children out there that will have their lives cut far too short like Darrel. Any difference you can make as an individual is going to be of help and worthwhile. Combined with the efforts of other individuals, the road towards a cure will become clearer, and easier to reach. Thank you to all who are willing to join with me on this journey.
 
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Special Thanks to: Lisa Kellenberger from Cuts for Cancer Guelph, and both Melody Khodaverdian and Shazya Ladak from Childhood Cancer Canada. Without you, this could not have happened.

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Thank You as well to everyone who purchased one of the "I Know A Childhood Cancer Hero" shirt from Childhood Cancer Canada. Darrel's name was included of the Version 2.0 of the design (located in the "O"). The proceeds went back to the Foundation to help fund all the great work they do for the children and their families.